A-maize-ing Ear-chitecture and Complementary Toe Service

I'm already about a third of the way down with my field camp in South Dakota, which is a little surprising. So far, we've gone through some geologic history of the black hills, worked with equipment to map terrain, and worked a good deal in the hydrology lab. I've enjoyed my time here, although I'm definitely missing my family, friends, and especially my new Truman buds.

The drive up here was long--about 13 or 14 hours. But, I actually enjoyed the trip. I've discovered the joy of audio books. Both "Freakonomics" and "The World is Flat" helped me avoid sleep hypnotism. Still, my trip had some interesting elements.

Missouri was a rather predictable drive. Of course, the could be because I am from Missouri, so nothing seemed too out-of-the-ordinary. Although, I did pass the occasional sex shop. For some reason, Missouri sex store owners like to buy these huge billboards along the highways, like "Big Louie's House of Porn" or something of the sorts. Of course, since it's Missouri, there always seems to be a "JESUS" billboard right after these sex shop advertisements. I love my state. :o)

Iowa's rest stops were quite interesting. When I first crossed from Missouri into Iowa, I passed a rest stop that was quite dilapidated. Basically, it consisted of a dirt road pull off and a rusted, brown sign that said "Rest Area." A sign a little ways after the rest stop said "Modern Rest Area, 60 miles." I thought any rest area would be more modern than the dirt road. In fact, the next area contained stainless steel benches and barbeque areas, a futuristic glass welcome center, and wireless internet access. Visitors typed away on their laptops in open areas. I found this incredibly interesting, especially as I was listening to "The World is Flat" by Thomas Friedman. Just as I passed these dichotomous rest areas, Friedman discussed the wireless internet network extending quickly over the world, often providing widely varying areas of technological savvy competing with areas of old world simplicity.

Finally, I entered South Dakota. Nearly immediately, I was greeted by billboards advertising the world's only Corn Palace! The Palace obviously must have a creative marketeer; slogans such as "Amaizing Earchitecture" dotted the freeway. Unfortunately, I didn't have the chance to stop. I didn't realize that the Corn Palace stop was nearly the only exit along I-90. I saw a few more billboards, but not much else. In fact, I saw one billboard that stated, "Dick's Complementary Toe Service." I'm assuming that the sign was just unfortunately misspelled. Otherwise, I would guess it was an advertisement for some sex store offering strange foot fetish benefits. Of course, the large signs simply declaring "JESUS" probably offset any assumptions I may have had. Hmm, apparently billboards don't seem to change across the Midwest.

Hooray, South Dakota!